‘South of Border’ theme for Brazil Band Sunday

BRAZIL -- The Brazil Concert Band travels “South of the Border” Sunday, July 30 at 8 p.m. rain or shine without even leaving Forest Park.

Director Matthew S. Huber and the BCB will debut the latest composition by Francis Massinon titled “Fontes Brasileiras” (Brazilian Fountains) in recognition of the landmark fountain in Forest Park which was a gift from the nation of Brazil in the 1950s.

Massinon is a 1967 graduate of Brazil High School, holds music degrees from ISU and is music professor emeritus at Austin Peay University.

He is a third-generation member of the Brazil Concert Band where his grandfather, Anton who came from France, his father, Francis, and other family members have performed for the past 100 years.

Huber reached into the archives of the vast collection of music owned by the BCB to find “Espana Cani” by Marquina, “Flores De Espana” by Chovi, “Commandante” by Guentzel and “Amparito Roca” by Texidor all compositions from Spain which came to the New World with the immigrants.

John Philip Sousa, born in Washington, D.C, was the son of a Portuguese father and a Bavarian mother. Sousa’s “Picadore” march will echo his Iberian roots.

Brass instruments are featured in many of this week’s selections such as “Trombrero” by Cofield, “Mariachi” by Walters, “Trumpets, Ole!” by Cofield and “Tijuana Brass in Concert” by Ricketts.

Also on the playlist are the classic “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson and La Roquina” by W. B. Green.